COMAND to make way for all-new user interface

2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class to debut new infotainment

COMAND to make way for all-new user interface

2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class to debut new infotainment

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be the brand's most connected car.

The German car maker has announced that it will premiere an all-new infotainment system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.

The company has remained tight-lipped about the new system, called MBUX (for Mercedes-Benz User Experience), except to claim it is underpinned by “an intuitive operating system” based on artificial intelligence.

The first vehicles to adopt MBUX will be the next-generation of compact vehicles, led by the 2018 A-Class and set to be followed by the CLA, GLA and B-Class as they are renewed, all of which will adopt the new system as standard equipment.

Already Mercedes-Benz has released initial images of the new A-Class interior, though that first look reveals little about changes to the new system, which utilises dual displays of either 7.0 or 10.25 inches for infotainment and instrument cluster duties.

The most obvious detail change concerns the input device mounted in the centre console (above), which has grown in size compared to the previous COMAND touchpad and scroll-wheel system, and appears to have ditched the latter.

The new MBUX system also promises to expand on the ‘Mercedes me’ suite of connectivity features, though details of what new abilities might be included are yet to be divulged.

Mercedes-Benz will also conclude its Intelligent World Drive automated test drive trial at the Las Vegas event, and will also display the Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar, and Mercedes-Benz EQA electric small car concepts at the show which starts on the 9th of January 2018.